by Gale Pryor
1997, 174 pages, paperback BF1097

Pryor's goal in writing this book is to help women combine their lives as nursing mothers with their lives as working mothers by what she calls blending the two. She points out that nursing mothers have always worked throughout history; however, the book indicates that only industrial society has made the two roles mutually exclusive. Today, more than fifty percent of women with children under one year of age work. The challenge today, Pryor points out, is how to continue "the most time-honored, efficient, successful method of nurturing our babies," while being separated from them for the majority of the day. Pryor herself is an experienced nursing working mother who has obviously accomplished blending these two roles in her life. Her book provides many examples from her own experience and the experiences of other working nursing mothers.

This book covers a multitude of issues that any mother considering returning to work must face. The first chapter deals with bonding, highlighting how breastfeeding helps to maintain a strong bond between mother and baby. One chapter presents the immunologic and nutritive value of breastmilk and how breastfeeding also benefits the working mother. The book extensively covers breastfeeding basics, from nursing positions and feeding schedules to how to avoid plugged ducts and mastitis, which tend to be more common for working moms. I found the chapter on preparing to go to work very informative. Many basic concerns are outlined in depth, such as the different types of childcare, choosing and using a breast pump, ways to store and transport breastmilk safely, how to get support from co-workers, how to reconnect with the work place, and much more. I liked the way Pryor takes each of these topics and gives up-to-date information, options, and solutions to different problems one may face. This approach takes the mystery out of how all the pieces will fit, i.e., pumping, childcare, milk supply, etc. The book also includes two very useful appendixes. One has an extensive list of resources, such as breastfeeding support services, various nursing supply businesses, childcare services, and on-line resources. Appendix II is a sample proposal to request pumping space on the job.

This book is easy to read and informative. Pryor succeeds in her goal to help women combine working and breastfeeding, doing so in a nurturing and empowering way. I would recommend this book to any pregnant or nursing mom considering going back to work. In addition, lactation consultants/counselors or anyone who works with breastfeeding women would benefit from reading this book.

Reviewed by Tina Benitez, ICCE, CLC, Oakland, California USA